Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Tattoo ink is a vital component in the art of tattooing, allowing tattoo artists to create permanent designs on the skin. The ink consists of pigments suspended in a carrier solution, which is injected into the dermis layer of the skin using a tattoo needle. Tattoo inks come in a wide variety of colors and formulations, each with its own unique properties and potential risks.
Researchers have identified both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks. The findings, published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology by the American Society for Microbiology, suggest that these inks could be potential sources of infections in humans. This study is particularly significant as it is the first to examine the presence of anaerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo inks.
Seong-Jae (Peter) Kim, Ph.D., a microbiologist at the Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas indicated that their research demonstrate that even unopened and sealed tattoo inks can contain anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments such as the skin’s dermal layer, in addition to aerobic bacteria. He further pointed out that it indicates that contaminated tattoo inks could lead to infections from both types of bacteria and that the findings highlight the need to monitor these products for the presence of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including potentially harmful microorganisms.
The researchers pointed out that the primary objective of the new study was to determine the presence of aerobic and anaerobic microbial contaminants in tattoo inks sold in the U.S. market. To detect aerobic bacteria, the researchers combined 1-2 grams of tattoo ink with the appropriate growth medium and incubated the samples in a standard incubator. For anaerobic bacteria, they mixed the ink solution with the suitable medium and incubated the samples in an anaerobic chamber, a device specifically designed for growing anaerobes. This chamber is maintained oxygen-free by continuously flushing it with a gas mixture, including nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The researchers applied this method to a total of 75 tattoo inks from 14 different manufacturers.
The investigators made a note that roughly 35 percent of tattoo or permanent makeup inks that were available in the U.S. market were seen to have contaminations with bacteria. “Both types of bacteria, those needing oxygen (aerobic) and those not needing oxygen (anaerobic), can contaminate the inks,” explained Kim. “There was no clear link between a product label claiming sterility and the actual absence of bacterial contamination.”
“The rising popularity of tattooing in recent years has coincided with an increase in tattoo-related complications or adverse reactions,” added Kim. He also indicated that it is important to recognize that microbial infections are only one facet of these complications. Besides microbial infections, immunologic issues like inflammatory reactions and allergic hypersensitivity, along with toxic responses, make up a significant portion of these problems. Given the findings of their study, they wanted to stress the necessity of ongoing monitoring to ensure the microbial safety of tattoo inks.
Kim and his team have plans to advance their research in two major areas. First, they aim to develop more efficient methods for detecting microbes in tattoo inks, focusing on making the process faster, more precise, and less labor-intensive. Second, they will carry out systematic studies to enhance the understanding of microbial contamination in tattoo and permanent makeup inks, exploring the prevalence, co-occurrence, and diversity of these contaminants, which is crucial for preventing contamination in these products.
As the findings indicate bacteria is lurking in tattoo and permanent makeup inks could become a serious concern, however the level of contamination is also likely to be a focus. If several tattoo ink brands tested positive for bacteria the health authorities may need take action with the consultation of health experts. As many tattoo and permanent makeup inks are contaminated with bacteria, the need to identify the process of production will be required. The importance of continuously monitoring Tattoo and makeup inks may become a priority in the near future.
